NIMASA Launches National Innovation Hackathon to Tap Nigeria’s Multi-Billion Naira Maritime Sector
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has officially launched the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) and the National Innovation Hackathon, opening a digital application portal for young tech innovators from 5 October 2026.
The strategic initiative aims to drive private-sector investment, foster entrepreneurship, and attract tech-driven solutions to optimize Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
Tapping Into Nigeria’s Multi-Billion Naira Maritime Frontier
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the initiative as a national economic imperative. He highlighted the urgent need to diversify Nigeria’s economy by empowering local talent to scale up maritime value.
“Nigeria’s maritime economy is a multi-billion naira frontier we have left largely untapped,” Dr. Mobereola stated. “We capture less than three percent of the value moving through our own waters. NIMASA-BEAP exists to correct that historic imbalance.”
He challenged young African tech developers and entrepreneurs to lead this new era, urging them to view the maritime sector as a frontier for national economic transformation.
A Paradigm Shift for Nigeria’s Blue Economy
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, delivered the keynote address, praising NIMASA’s leadership for transitioning from a strict regulatory body into an economic catalyst.
Represented by the Director of Marine Conservation and Innovation, Mr. Shettima Hussein Shehu, the minister noted, “This is not a routine government initiative. This is a paradigm shift—from NIMASA as a regulator to NIMASA as a catalyst. The NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator sets a standard that I, as Minister, am proud to champion.”
The minister also called on commercial banks, development finance institutions, and maritime stakeholders to support the ecosystem through mentorship and direct investment.
Key industry players—including the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Zenith Bank, First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, Tamrose Limited, Petromarine Limited, and Starzs Investment Limited—have already pledged their partnerships.
NIMASA-BEAP Application Timelines and Eligibility
The accelerator features a structured timeline with clear accountability mechanisms. To be eligible, you must be a young Nigerian innovator between the ages of 8 and 28. The application portal is expected to go live on October 5, 2026.
